GOLD COAST 050600ZDEC11 SKED AND SKIPPERS BLOG

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

LAT 35 57.2
LONG 176 17.2
DTR 1268nm to Gold Coast
ETA 1200L 12 DEC 11

Weather Wind Variable 0-5 Baro 1006.3 Sea Calm, Swell N 0.5 Cloud chaotic

Where is the bloody wind!!!! At the moment we are racing a sprite can I just threw overboard and its matching our course and speed!

SKIPPERS BLOG

Gold Coast Australia had a good start to Race 6 to Gold Coast Australia and worked hard throughout the night to match DLL and pull away from the rest of the fleet. Unfortunately the wind has calmed prematurely allowing the other yachts in the fleet to catch up and leaving us in a tricky situation

With a complicated low pressure system over New Zealand conditions for Gold Coast Australia have been very challenging as we navigate our way up the coast through fickle and variable winds. Gold coast Australia crew have been using every available recourse legally available to determine where the best winds are to be found over the next few days.

Forecasted conditions are slightly better off the coast than along the coastline and we are sailing wide of New Zealand to try to get the more consistent gradient pressure. While seeking this pressure it has been very frustrating today observing the majority of the fleet making the most of localised wind on the coast and making better speeds closer of the shore.

Added to the frustration is the results from the daily sked which show GCA in second last position. This is not the first time we have been in this position at this stage of the race and we will be working hard to win back places and work our way back up the scoreboard.

Discover more from SALUS MARITIME

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

Leave a comment